Oregon Trail Photo Contest Winners Announced

Thursday, June 11, 2009
After a competitive photo contest, the Rally America judges have finalized their decisions and selected the top contest winner and two runner ups.

FIRST PLACE

Neil Manning from Beaverton, OR, won the Oregon Trail Rally photo contest. He wins a year long subscription to Subiesport Magazine and a Driving Sports DVD. Neil was unavailable to comment at the time this article was being produced.


SECOND PLACE

Jesse Smith, from Chehalis, WA, is likely a rare individual for his age. Not too many people under the age of 25 can say they attended the Olympus Rally when it was a round of the WRC! Jesse can boast that he was there… except he likely can not remember it since his parents brought him to the event when he was a little tyke.

Though, Jesse was introduced to rally at an early age, it was not until Travis Pastrana switched from motocross to rally racing that he finally decided to attend an event on his own. Jesse first attended the regional Doo Wops Rally ealier this year and then decided to go to the next few Pacific Northwest rounds of the Rally America Series.

After attending the Oregon Trail Rally, Jesse says Ken Block is his favorite driver, “That second Gymkhana video was insane!” exclaimed Jesse.


THIRD PLACE

Ryan Zirk from Gresham, OR, has been a rally fan since 15 years-old and has been attending the Oregon Trail Rally the last 10 years.

“I remember when there were only 3-4 people sitting on a hilltop when I was first going,” says Ryan, “Now, there are hundreds of people with me!” Even though things have changed over time Ryan still enjoys going to the event and has particularly enjoyed the Portland International Raceway stages.

“I love being so close to the cars and drivers, rally is the only motorsport out there that provides this kind of access,” exclaimed Ryan. At the Oregon Trail, Ryan met his favorite driver, Travis Pastrana, and captured his third place photo at the Mosier spectator area. “I like the panning shot with the blurred background. It shows good movement and speed without having to do any photoshopping.”